Massage techniques are used in combination to treat both medical and aesthetic issues.
Manual impact improves blood flow, relieves edema, relieves tension, however, this is an intense effect on soft tissues, blood vessels, especially large ones. Therefore, varicose veins are a conditional contraindication to sessions. Phlebologists are not so categorical: if you follow simple rules, you can perform procedures even with a diagnosis.
Is it possible to do a massage with varicose veins
Manual techniques will significantly improve the condition of the legs, veins, relieve unpleasant symptoms, relieve pain that bothers patients. Therefore, proper massage is not only acceptable, but recommended. There is an important condition: exposure is possible at the first and second stages of the development of the disease. It will not be superfluous to consult your doctor.
On a note!
Regular procedures on the calves, thighs will be the best prevention of the development of varicose veins with moderate physical activity.
The alternation of movements, such as pinching, caressing, pressure, rubbing, allows the formation of large vessels, small subcutaneous capillaries. At the same time, some techniques can still expand the veins of the legs, which is not always desirable. Therefore, massage can be performed, but only with a specialist who knows exactly how to work with patients with pathology.
How it works
Massage has a complex effect:
- improves the outflow of lymph;
- accelerates blood flow;
- warms the fabrics
- tones the soft tissues, the walls of the vessels.
The result of the procedure can be so strong that blood pressure temporarily rises, even a slight dizziness appears. Therefore, immediately after the procedure, you should rest a little, well-being, important parameters will quickly stabilize.
An important action is the improvement of metabolic processes in tissues, their supply of blood, oxygen through uniform and rapid heating. In this case, the amount of interstitial fluid decreases to normal. Thus, it is possible to achieve a stable reduction of edema, relief from cramps, heaviness and aching pain.
As the tissues decrease in size, the pressure on the vessels, both subcutaneous and deep, is greatly reduced. Such an effect is very harmful to the walls, it contributes to the active development of varicose veins. The reduction of pressure in the limbs is an important effect of a good massage.
Therapy can replace physical activity in the early stages of treatment. Active movements will increase blood flow, but with pain, swelling, it is not easy and not always safe to perform them. Therefore, you should start with a massage, a gentle effect without active friction, without bumps, without unnecessary pressure. After that, it will be much easier to connect physiotherapy exercises.
On a note!
Massage of varicose veins should not be accompanied by unpleasant sensations that did not exist before the procedure. A very delicate impact is necessary, otherwise damage, hematomas cannot be avoided.
Types of therapy: what to choose
During the same procedure, you can use different techniques, but most specialists prefer to work in one direction. It is important to choose the most effective option for this. Classic massage does not always give the desired effect, you can significantly reduce treatment time without losing progress by choosing modern hardware techniques.
Lymphatic drainage
The lymph flow is characterized by the lowest speed, so the master's actions will be unhurried and accurate, which is necessary for varicose veins. This technique is recommended because:
- has a complex effect: reduction of edema, warming;
- allows you to work the entire area;
- relieves discomfort for a long time.
It is not necessary to use oil even with manual massage. The pressure will be very low, which eliminates all risks of damage to blood vessels. Noticeable results can be obtained by choosing a material technique. In this case, the massage is carried out even at the second stage of the development of the disease, since the negative effect on the skin is not carried out at all, and the pressure is precisely controlled.
You can perform the simplest lymphatic drainage massage for varicose veins yourself, if so far only the first symptoms have appeared and this treatment has been approved by the doctor. Normal hand movements, gentle stroking and light squeezing should be done in standard lines in a bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom direction. The technique is very simple, so mastering it will not be difficult at all. This type of massage is the most preferable.
Anti cellulite
A popular service for most massage therapists is cellulite treatment using warming compounds, honey, special pots, etc. Opinions regarding the permissible impact with varicose veins differ. However, progressive doctors and cosmetologists adhere to the "golden mean" and answer that one should choose the right technique and pay attention to the existing risks and complications.
It is strictly forbidden to perform an anti-cellulite procedure in the presence of thrombophlebitis, ulcers, skin lesions with inflammation and discoloration. You cannot use deep techniques which can give significant volume correction after a few sessions. They are effective, but dangerous in diseases of the veins.
On a note!
Deep impact techniques can also be manual, so you should discuss the type of impact with the master in advance.
The safest are:
- gentle manual techniques;
- whirlpool;
- roller impact.
All vacuum methods should be excluded, they can additionally damage veins and capillaries, accelerating the development of pathology. Gentle anti-cellulite massage will improve the condition of blood vessels, so it is allowed and even shown to patients.
LPG
This is one of the impact types of vacuum devices, LPG technology is widely used in the fight against excess weight, age-related changes in the contours of the figure. Most experts advise against this type of massage in the presence of varicose veins. Even a slight vacuum effect can cause increased discomfort and the manifestation of new symptoms.
We allow LPG massage only in the event that the diagnosis itself has not yet been made, but there are already the first signs of vascular damage. Exposure to vacuum will relieve stagnation and swelling of fluids, but will not bring other positive effects.
Restrictions
Massage should be excluded in the presence of complications of the disease, among which the most dangerous will be:
- thrombophlebitis;
- venous hypertrophy;
- high temperature;
- trophic ulcers.
Often, varicose veins develop against the background of other pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic infections, hypertension, problems with blood supply to the limbs and brain. In these cases, it is better to exclude massage.
It is strictly forbidden to influence the legs with massage movements of any kind if the disease has progressed to stages 3 and 4. Such procedures can cause negative consequences, up to the separation of blood clots andsubcutaneous hemorrhages.
Side effects
If the type of massage is chosen correctly, there will be no pronounced side effects. It is important to ensure that after the procedure there are no bruises or redness on the skin of the affected limbs, which do not disappear for a long time. With varicose veins, such phenomena indicate too aggressive exposure.
The most common side effect is a feeling of tiredness, drowsiness, lack of energy. This is due to the active outflow of lymph, muscle relaxation and oxygen saturation of tissues. Therefore, you need to lie down or sit down a little, do not drive immediately, do not leave the massage therapist's office, and do not immediately begin active physical labor.
Against the background of long sessions, the temperature may rise slightly. Tissue warming is a natural process, but you definitely need to see a doctor. After that, there may be a slight dizziness when getting up from the couch. The active blood flow in the lower body is the main reason for this phenomenon. It's worth worrying about when the feeling doesn't go away within 10-15 minutes.
On a note!
You need to get up gradually after the massage: rise on your elbows, sit down, lower your legs and only then take an upright position.
Massage of varicose veins is not only contraindicated, but also desirable with regard to the first and second stages of the development of pathology. The best choice would be a manual or hardware lymphatic drainage type procedure. A mild effect will reduce the severity of symptoms, improve the condition of tissues. A noticeable effect can be achieved by holding ongoing sessions of 10-15 days with a break of 2-3 months.